Spoilers Stranger Things - Season 3
- Thread starter The Nth Doctor
- Start date
I'm hoping it's good, I'm almost embarrassed how much I've been looking forward to this. I haven't been reading any advanced press in fear of ruining it.
My wife and I rewatched season 1 straight through on sunday and as of today we made it to the 8th episode of season 2 (RIP Bob Newby, we hardly knew ye). We'll see the last ep tomorrow, just in time for the new season (which we can't wait to see!). It's still an incredible show, even after multiple rewatches.
I'm not embarrassed. I proudly flaunt my love for this series and everything it's done.
That said, I hear ya about the advanced press. There are parts of each of those reviews I skimmed over because I didn't want more than hints of what was going to happen (even if the those reviewers deliberately kept things vague).
First episode done - a typical "Where are they now and what's their status" season starter episode so everybody got a little to do but even though it's about an update most of the time but they still started the ball rolling with some gruesome scenes and they widen the scope and mystery of the show.
I'm so excited but also a bit bummed that it's only 8 episodes
I'm so excited but also a bit bummed that it's only 8 episodes
I'm in the middle of the first episode now. I'm surprised in the season 2 recap there was no mention of the other 'number' people, does that imply they won't be having any importance this season?
Since i didn't see the whole season yet i don't know but it's only season 3 so who knows? Might even turn out to be a plot hook for a spin off show once Stranger Things concludes ( i faintly remember that they planned for 5 seasons).
However i'd like to keep that as low as possible since i don't want to see Stranger Things turn out to become X-Men 2.0 with a few normal kids and adults.. there's enough superhero shows and movies to satisfy that.
Watched the first couple episodes, and it's off to a pretty good start so far.
I'm curious how much of the mall will be left standing by the end of the season.
Hopper going crazy over Mike and Eleven was hilarious.
The exploding rats in episode 1 and whatever the hell the rat in episode 2 turned into were pretty nasty.
So it looks it'll be the Russians playing around with portals to The Upside Down now, since they tied things up with Hawkins Lab last season.
The exploding rats in episode 1 and whatever the hell the rat in episode 2 turned into were pretty nasty.
So it looks it'll be the Russians playing around with portals to The Upside Down now, since they tied things up with Hawkins Lab last season.
Made it to episode four and really enjoying the whole thing so far. I did see an interview beforehand that this season was 'more gross' and thought, eh, the monsters were always gross. But no, this season really is more gross in general. It hasn't crossed any lines for me, yet, though.
The simple visual callbacks to last season are really fun. Elle's baby face hanging on the wall and Bob Newby, Superhero on the fridge!
Speaking of Bob, I'm really glad to see Joyce dealing with his death still. I was afraid he'd be in the past already.
I *loved* Eleven and Max hanging out. Even better than Eleven and Hopper last season. Prank scrying is much better than prank calling.
Joyce thinking it's totally normal to leave Hopper hanging because she had to learn about electromagnetism in the school science teacher's garage because her fridge magnets died.
I calling it now, the Wheelers will get a divorce before this show ends.
I like Robin. I think Erica maybe was a better character in smaller doses, though. Maybe (hopefully) she gets better now that she's stuck in weirdville, too.
I'm a little curious how a massive russian operation like this can exist in Indiana in 1984. They're not even hiding. They literally have guards armed with assault rifles standing outside a mall.
Billy as the 'bad guy'/chief victim is really interesting to me. Honestly I went into this season expecting him to either disappear or get dragged into helping like Steve, but now I have no idea what's going to happen to him. Will he even survive this season?
And finally, I really feel like this season is up and running very fast. Every figures out their clues and they're all already coming together to fight the bad guys. I like it - it gives a fresh feeling over the more mystery vibe of season 1/2, and it makes the characters feel more real - they're learning when to pay attention and not dismiss 'impossible' things. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Speaking of Bob, I'm really glad to see Joyce dealing with his death still. I was afraid he'd be in the past already.
I *loved* Eleven and Max hanging out. Even better than Eleven and Hopper last season. Prank scrying is much better than prank calling.
Joyce thinking it's totally normal to leave Hopper hanging because she had to learn about electromagnetism in the school science teacher's garage because her fridge magnets died.
I calling it now, the Wheelers will get a divorce before this show ends.
I like Robin. I think Erica maybe was a better character in smaller doses, though. Maybe (hopefully) she gets better now that she's stuck in weirdville, too.
I'm a little curious how a massive russian operation like this can exist in Indiana in 1984. They're not even hiding. They literally have guards armed with assault rifles standing outside a mall.
Billy as the 'bad guy'/chief victim is really interesting to me. Honestly I went into this season expecting him to either disappear or get dragged into helping like Steve, but now I have no idea what's going to happen to him. Will he even survive this season?
And finally, I really feel like this season is up and running very fast. Every figures out their clues and they're all already coming together to fight the bad guys. I like it - it gives a fresh feeling over the more mystery vibe of season 1/2, and it makes the characters feel more real - they're learning when to pay attention and not dismiss 'impossible' things. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
So i'm done.. one non spoilery tip - there's a post credits scene after the last episode so keep watching.
On to my spoilery thoughts:
On to my spoilery thoughts:
I don't know where to put this season but i'm a little disappointed. My biggest gripe are the Russians.. WTF? Who thought it a good idea to have the Russians build a hyper state of the art facility crewed by russian soldiers in russian (i.e. soviet) military uniforms branding AKs in the middle of the US like it was a suburb of Moscow?
That story choice just took me right out of an otherwise excellent season when it comes to the characters.
I don't know if it's just my subjective opinion but this season went for much more comedy and it was not bad per se but the season took quite a bit to get really started. It was not until season 4 when the ball really got rolling and for an 8 episode run that felt like dragging the feet.
That being said the rest was amazing.. i love the cast chemistry, especially between El and Max, their girls day out was just so much fun to watch. Hooper was a standout too.. from unnerved dad with a teenage daughter who just has discovered that boys can be fun to gruff leader and total badass was just awesome. His sacrifice at the end was a gut punch but then again we didn't see his body explode like the others in the room and in the post credits scene the russian soldiers mentions an american so the door to get him back is kept open (3 inches wide
)
Dustin and Steve are one of the most awesome buddys ever devised.. they could carry a show on their own were they not part of a stellar cast in general. It was just so fun to see them two together and newcomer Robin seamlessly integrated into the gang and had one of the most hilarious scenes when she came out in fron of interested Steve.
However comedy gold was struck when we finally see Suzi and Dustin but i nearly fell over when they, out of nowhere, started singing the theme song of Neverending Story.. i believe in the situation that everybody was in fighting for their lives and possibly the fate of the world it came completely as a surprise but it was the high point of the season.
Now at least a year until season 4 and it was a bold choice to split most of them up.. it worked for this season because they were still in the same town even if the teams were split but now half of them moved away so i'm curious how the show will pick up from there and above all how many seasons are still in store.
That story choice just took me right out of an otherwise excellent season when it comes to the characters.
I don't know if it's just my subjective opinion but this season went for much more comedy and it was not bad per se but the season took quite a bit to get really started. It was not until season 4 when the ball really got rolling and for an 8 episode run that felt like dragging the feet.
That being said the rest was amazing.. i love the cast chemistry, especially between El and Max, their girls day out was just so much fun to watch. Hooper was a standout too.. from unnerved dad with a teenage daughter who just has discovered that boys can be fun to gruff leader and total badass was just awesome. His sacrifice at the end was a gut punch but then again we didn't see his body explode like the others in the room and in the post credits scene the russian soldiers mentions an american so the door to get him back is kept open (3 inches wide
)Dustin and Steve are one of the most awesome buddys ever devised.. they could carry a show on their own were they not part of a stellar cast in general. It was just so fun to see them two together and newcomer Robin seamlessly integrated into the gang and had one of the most hilarious scenes when she came out in fron of interested Steve.
However comedy gold was struck when we finally see Suzi and Dustin but i nearly fell over when they, out of nowhere, started singing the theme song of Neverending Story.. i believe in the situation that everybody was in fighting for their lives and possibly the fate of the world it came completely as a surprise but it was the high point of the season.
Now at least a year until season 4 and it was a bold choice to split most of them up.. it worked for this season because they were still in the same town even if the teams were split but now half of them moved away so i'm curious how the show will pick up from there and above all how many seasons are still in store.
This season so far is leaning hard on period misogyny.
I also finished the whole season. Overall, I absolutely loved the whole thing, especially one particular 80's pop culture reference.
And now for the spoilers...
And now for the spoilers...
Unsurprisingly, the season went even bigger than last season and, as warned by the early reviews, grosser. Mostly CGI gross, but also conceptually gross when you stop for a moment and think about what the Mind Flayer is actually composed of (I tried my best not to think about it except when it was obvious like the half bone leftover on the sewer grate).
The season is also even more packed with 80s pop cultural references from Back to the Future and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (although that's technically 70s) to Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Caddyshack. But, of course, my favorite reference of all was Dustin and Suzie breaking out into song, singing the eternal classic, "The Neverending Story." I have an even greater appreciation for that song now.
Beyond the 80s nostalgia, the show strives the best with the character dynamics and this season is no exception. Once again we get the surprisingly wonderful Steve and Justin teamed up together, along with the hilarious newcomer Robin and unexpectedly, Erica, who steals every damn scene she's in. El and Mike go through a rough patch (partially initiated by Hopper) but the development of their relationship, while mostly in the background, remained strong as ever. Couples abound with Max and Lucas, Nancy and Jonathan, and even to a small degree, finally, Joyce and Hopper, even though they never got the chance to properly explore their feelings for each other. I loved how us viewers were set up to think that Robin and Steve would hook up, but then it was revealed, after Steve admitted his feelings for her, that Robin is in fact gay, and kudos to Steve for just rolling with it and accepting her friendship with no expectations. It goes to show how far Steve has grown since that douchebag in season 1.
Only Will is left out in the cold (and not just because he doesn't like girls) as he continues to have little do other than to complain about not being able to play D&D and tell the group he senses the Mind Flayer nearby, which is a shame because there's a strong potential for his character considering he survived the Upside Down. I wish that had been explored more this season but he was largely shuffled to background, unfortunately. I just wish he had once said "They're hhhheeerreeeee" instead of "He's here."
My heart breaks for Hopper (and then to Joyce and El). He continued to strive to be best father he could be, a second chance father, but his temper kept getting in the way and then the season events got in the way even further (just like last season). Then, just as he and Joyce finally acknowledged their feelings (thanks to Murray's incessant prodding like he did with Nancy and Jonathan), Hopper made the ultimate sacrifice to help save the day and close the gate that the Russians foolishly left open. I didn't truly expect him to die, but I hadn't expect him to supposedly show up in a Russian prison (I mean, how did they manage to him there when the US government was swooping down onto the underground lair?). What I expected was for him to show up in the Upside Down, much like El did at the end of season 1. Perhaps we'll get an in between scene like we did at the beginning of season 2, which shows Hopper in the Upside Down, but when manages to get out, the Russians find him?
While I agree with FPAlpha that it was a bit weird that the Russians somehow managed to build a large, secret, underground lair right under America's noses without the US government noticing (especially considering their operations at Hawkins Lab), I chalk it up to being a reference to the 80s Cold War scare which popped up a lot in 80s films and shows (plus, you know, James Bond). Once I was able to look pass that weirdness, I loved the dynamics of that secret lair and the adventures Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica had down there.
I have to give props to the show for managing to make Billy a sympathetic character after his bland, two-dimensional turn in season 2. While didn't get to see much of the real him, what we did get was good. From El exploring his memories on the beach and losing his beloved mother thanks to his abusive father (which in turn, shows why he became such an asshole) to Max's distant affection for him to his sacrifice in the end to save El's life.
Cameos! I had no idea Sean Astin would pop up but it was great to see Bob the Brain one last time in a Joyce flashback. We miss you, Bob. I had hoped Paul Reiser's Dr. Owens would show up during the Starcourt clean-up but it's a shame he didn't get any lines. Hopefully we'll get more from him next season. After his surprise cameo last season that hinted that he was somehow still alive, I fully expected Matthew Modine's Dr. Brenner to show up again, but no dice. I bet he's still out there somewhere...
My only real disappointment with this season is we never got to see the Upside Down aside from Billy's brief vision visit to it. I hope next season we get to see a lot more of it, like we did in season 1. I really want to learn more about that environment and how things work there, and perhaps we'll get that if my theory about Hopper bears fruit.
I'm also sad the Byers (and the newly adopted El) have left Hawkins. I wonder how they'll get back together for the next adventure? A coincidental attack during a seasonal visit? Yeah, that's good enough for me.
The season is also even more packed with 80s pop cultural references from Back to the Future and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (although that's technically 70s) to Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Caddyshack. But, of course, my favorite reference of all was Dustin and Suzie breaking out into song, singing the eternal classic, "The Neverending Story." I have an even greater appreciation for that song now.
Beyond the 80s nostalgia, the show strives the best with the character dynamics and this season is no exception. Once again we get the surprisingly wonderful Steve and Justin teamed up together, along with the hilarious newcomer Robin and unexpectedly, Erica, who steals every damn scene she's in. El and Mike go through a rough patch (partially initiated by Hopper) but the development of their relationship, while mostly in the background, remained strong as ever. Couples abound with Max and Lucas, Nancy and Jonathan, and even to a small degree, finally, Joyce and Hopper, even though they never got the chance to properly explore their feelings for each other. I loved how us viewers were set up to think that Robin and Steve would hook up, but then it was revealed, after Steve admitted his feelings for her, that Robin is in fact gay, and kudos to Steve for just rolling with it and accepting her friendship with no expectations. It goes to show how far Steve has grown since that douchebag in season 1.
Only Will is left out in the cold (and not just because he doesn't like girls) as he continues to have little do other than to complain about not being able to play D&D and tell the group he senses the Mind Flayer nearby, which is a shame because there's a strong potential for his character considering he survived the Upside Down. I wish that had been explored more this season but he was largely shuffled to background, unfortunately. I just wish he had once said "They're hhhheeerreeeee" instead of "He's here."
My heart breaks for Hopper (and then to Joyce and El). He continued to strive to be best father he could be, a second chance father, but his temper kept getting in the way and then the season events got in the way even further (just like last season). Then, just as he and Joyce finally acknowledged their feelings (thanks to Murray's incessant prodding like he did with Nancy and Jonathan), Hopper made the ultimate sacrifice to help save the day and close the gate that the Russians foolishly left open. I didn't truly expect him to die, but I hadn't expect him to supposedly show up in a Russian prison (I mean, how did they manage to him there when the US government was swooping down onto the underground lair?). What I expected was for him to show up in the Upside Down, much like El did at the end of season 1. Perhaps we'll get an in between scene like we did at the beginning of season 2, which shows Hopper in the Upside Down, but when manages to get out, the Russians find him?
While I agree with FPAlpha that it was a bit weird that the Russians somehow managed to build a large, secret, underground lair right under America's noses without the US government noticing (especially considering their operations at Hawkins Lab), I chalk it up to being a reference to the 80s Cold War scare which popped up a lot in 80s films and shows (plus, you know, James Bond). Once I was able to look pass that weirdness, I loved the dynamics of that secret lair and the adventures Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica had down there.
I have to give props to the show for managing to make Billy a sympathetic character after his bland, two-dimensional turn in season 2. While didn't get to see much of the real him, what we did get was good. From El exploring his memories on the beach and losing his beloved mother thanks to his abusive father (which in turn, shows why he became such an asshole) to Max's distant affection for him to his sacrifice in the end to save El's life.
Cameos! I had no idea Sean Astin would pop up but it was great to see Bob the Brain one last time in a Joyce flashback. We miss you, Bob. I had hoped Paul Reiser's Dr. Owens would show up during the Starcourt clean-up but it's a shame he didn't get any lines. Hopefully we'll get more from him next season. After his surprise cameo last season that hinted that he was somehow still alive, I fully expected Matthew Modine's Dr. Brenner to show up again, but no dice. I bet he's still out there somewhere...
My only real disappointment with this season is we never got to see the Upside Down aside from Billy's brief vision visit to it. I hope next season we get to see a lot more of it, like we did in season 1. I really want to learn more about that environment and how things work there, and perhaps we'll get that if my theory about Hopper bears fruit.
I'm also sad the Byers (and the newly adopted El) have left Hawkins. I wonder how they'll get back together for the next adventure? A coincidental attack during a seasonal visit? Yeah, that's good enough for me.
Overall, I liked season 3 less than seasons 1 and 2, but it was still good because Stranger Things already has high standards. I think the production reports of this being a "challenging storyline" were correct, and that's why they probably had to take a wee break, retool some things, and cast some extra characters. They had a lot of plates spinning at once this time around. And unlike Game of Thrones' piss-poor Season 8, they used the extra time spent writing and filming the episodes to good effect. It all came together in the end. Let me be clear...although I liked it less than the first two years, it is still very solid, and I appreciate what they tried to do story-wise.
They're in a bit of a pickle with this show, and they know it. How many times can you turn the same trick? You have to find new ways of doing things, or it will become boring no matter how many sponsorships you snag to play on nostalgia. So they're trying to branch out, and I recognize that.
They're in a bit of a pickle with this show, and they know it. How many times can you turn the same trick? You have to find new ways of doing things, or it will become boring no matter how many sponsorships you snag to play on nostalgia. So they're trying to branch out, and I recognize that.
The Russian storyline was obviously a Red Dawn callback, as well as an homage to the 80's Red Scare, so it didn't bother me so much. I also enjoyed the "Terminator" guy. They got someone who obviously wasn't Arnold, yet managed to look and act so much like him that it was just fun having him onscreen.
I didn't expect so many callbacks either. At this point, anything is possible with this show. I enjoyed the mall (it made me nostalgic for my own recently-shuttered mall) but it also made me miss the town. The town itself was part of what made season 1 feel so.....early 80's. Now that it's "gone" so to speak, it's like the show is saying time is moving forward. That was also apparent in the change in the way they shot the show, I think. I noticed a difference. I think it was intentional.
Is it just me, or were there fewer bonding scenes with the kids? Yeah, part of the theme was growing up but I missed it. Eleven and Max at the mall were great. I also liked Steve and Robin. Robin was great, and I liked that they DIDN'T just make her a "resourceful sidekick" that happened to be a random polyglot. They actually fleshed her out and made her likeable and a real character. Erica....sigh. I've already read one article that said "Give her the Emmy already." Please. The girl is cute and snarky, but she can't act. She's good in small doses, but I was getting a bit tired of her before "You can't spell America without Erica," and when Dustin outed her as a nerd. That saved her from becoming irritating.
Dustin's girlfriend was cute....but if she hadn't insisted on that song, Hopper would still be alive. Had she given them the code immediately, Russki Terminator wouldn't have gotten there before they closed the Gate. (Yes, I know that Hopper is 99.9% the "Amerikanski" in the Russian prison cell in the credit scene and thus alive, but still...).
I like that they injured Eleven and took away her powers. Again, they can't be doing the same thing over and over again...just with bigger monsters. Injuring Eleven made it even MORE of a teamwork thing, and allowed for a nice redemption moment for Billy. Yeah, I know a lot of people hate him and I don't like him either, but his ending was pretty darn cool. Taking away her powers will also humanize Eleven more going forward. I'm sure she'll get them back, but until then, perhaps season 4 will be a reboot for her.
RIP Alexi. At least he got his Woody Woodpecker prize at the fun fair. I liked him...but I knew that Russian Arnold would kill him.
This is just some stream of consciousness at the end of a binge. I'll think about it more later, and perhaps be a bit more critical. But as it stands, season 1 was a 9.5/10, season 2 was a 9/10, and season 3 was an 8/10.
I didn't expect so many callbacks either. At this point, anything is possible with this show. I enjoyed the mall (it made me nostalgic for my own recently-shuttered mall) but it also made me miss the town. The town itself was part of what made season 1 feel so.....early 80's. Now that it's "gone" so to speak, it's like the show is saying time is moving forward. That was also apparent in the change in the way they shot the show, I think. I noticed a difference. I think it was intentional.
Is it just me, or were there fewer bonding scenes with the kids? Yeah, part of the theme was growing up but I missed it. Eleven and Max at the mall were great. I also liked Steve and Robin. Robin was great, and I liked that they DIDN'T just make her a "resourceful sidekick" that happened to be a random polyglot. They actually fleshed her out and made her likeable and a real character. Erica....sigh. I've already read one article that said "Give her the Emmy already." Please. The girl is cute and snarky, but she can't act. She's good in small doses, but I was getting a bit tired of her before "You can't spell America without Erica," and when Dustin outed her as a nerd. That saved her from becoming irritating.
Dustin's girlfriend was cute....but if she hadn't insisted on that song, Hopper would still be alive. Had she given them the code immediately, Russki Terminator wouldn't have gotten there before they closed the Gate. (Yes, I know that Hopper is 99.9% the "Amerikanski" in the Russian prison cell in the credit scene and thus alive, but still...).
I like that they injured Eleven and took away her powers. Again, they can't be doing the same thing over and over again...just with bigger monsters. Injuring Eleven made it even MORE of a teamwork thing, and allowed for a nice redemption moment for Billy. Yeah, I know a lot of people hate him and I don't like him either, but his ending was pretty darn cool. Taking away her powers will also humanize Eleven more going forward. I'm sure she'll get them back, but until then, perhaps season 4 will be a reboot for her.
RIP Alexi. At least he got his Woody Woodpecker prize at the fun fair. I liked him...but I knew that Russian Arnold would kill him.
This is just some stream of consciousness at the end of a binge. I'll think about it more later, and perhaps be a bit more critical. But as it stands, season 1 was a 9.5/10, season 2 was a 9/10, and season 3 was an 8/10.
I do remember (and i pulled out an older article confirming it) that the Duffer brothers mentioned that they have planned for a story comprising 4 seasons for this exact reason - this is not supposed to be like Buffy with the season villain that gets defeated only to reveal the new one in the season finale (rinse and repeat) and i agree with them. It'll be a small miracle if they keep to it (maybe a 5th season or an extended 4th season if they feel like they need the time) in a time when successfull shows like Stranger Things get milked to death rather than tell a finite story and go out at their highest point.
Her parents are still around. We saw them briefly last season and were briefly mentioned by Hopper this season.
